Bernardo Peres da Silva

Bernardo Peres da Silva (15 October 1775 – 18 November 1844), also known by the initialism BPS, was a Portuguese politician and former medical practitioner who served as a governor of Portuguese India from January to February 1835. He was the first and only native Goan to be appointed to this post He was also one of the first elected representatives in the Portuguese Parliament from its overseas Indian colonies.

Early life Bernardo Peres da Silva was born in Neura Island in Goa to José Tomás de Vila Nova Peres and Mariana Veloso and was orphaned at a very young age. His uncle, Caetano Peres, was a Catholic Christian priest at Rachol Seminary, and took him under his care. He completed secondary education at Rachol. He graduated from Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de Goa (School of Medical Surgery of Goa), which was attached to the Royal Hospital at Panelim. Bernardo Peres da Silva was a Christian.

Medical practitioner After completing his education at the medical school, Peres was appointed as substitute professor in the medical school, having passed a competitive exam.

During his term at the hospital, Peres opposed moves by the Viceroy, the Count of Rio Pardo, to streamline treatment available to patients. This made him popular with the people, ), sent a copy to Peres. Peres participated in the elections and was voted to the Parliament in Lisbon, on 4 January 1822.

On the way to Portugal, the three representatives were detained in Portuguese Mozambique. By the time they reached Lisbon, the Parliament had been dissolved, and the absolute monarchy restored. The new government appointed Peres as Intendente Geral da Agricultura da India, but did not give immediate effect to his appointment. rewarded him by appointing Bernardo as Prefeito (Prefect) of Portuguese India on 7 May 1834. The post of Prefect was a new designation for the post of Governor,

Army revolt On 10 February, disturbances broke out in Goa in his favour. The leader of the revolt that had deposed Peres, fearing arrest had resigned and handed control over to the Chief Counselor of the Prefecture. On 3 March,

In 1836, the Portuguese conducted elections in the European-controlled constituencies, keeping four constituencies away.